Zimbabwe civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Zimbabwe with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The 2013 Constitution, the two houses of Parliament, official languages and citizenship by registration.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital city of Zimbabwe?
Harare
Harare, known as Salisbury before 1982, is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city.
Which two houses make up Zimbabwe’s Parliament?
The Senate and the National Assembly
Zimbabwe has a bicameral Parliament made up of the Senate and the National Assembly.
In which year was Zimbabwe’s current Constitution adopted?
2013
The current Constitution was approved in a referendum and came into force in 2013, replacing the Lancaster House Constitution.
How many years of lawful residence does the Constitution require before applying for citizenship by registration?
At least ten years
The Constitution allows a person continuously and lawfully resident in Zimbabwe for at least ten years to apply for registration.
How many official languages does Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution recognise?
16
The 2013 Constitution lists 16 officially recognised languages, including Shona, Ndebele, English and sign language.
History 5 questions
The First Chimurenga, the Unilateral Declaration of Independence, the Lancaster House Agreement and independence in 1980.
On what date did Zimbabwe become independent?
18 April 1980
Zimbabwe became independent on 18 April 1980, which is celebrated each year as Independence Day.
Which 1979 agreement led to Zimbabwe’s independence?
The Lancaster House Agreement
The Lancaster House Agreement, signed in London in 1979, ended the war and set up the elections that led to independence in 1980.
Who led the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965?
Ian Smith
Ian Smith's government declared Rhodesia independent from Britain in November 1965 without British agreement.
Which spirit medium is honoured as a heroine of the First Chimurenga?
Mbuya Nehanda
Mbuya Nehanda was a spirit medium who inspired resistance during the First Chimurenga of 1896 to 1897 and is a national heroine.
Which two parties joined together under the Unity Accord of 1987?
ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU
The Unity Accord, signed in December 1987, merged ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU. It is remembered on Unity Day, 22 December.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Harare, Great Zimbabwe, the Zambezi and Victoria Falls, the Zimbabwe Bird and the national anthem.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What does the name ‘Zimbabwe’ refer to?
Houses of stone
The name comes from Shona words meaning houses of stone, a reference to the stone buildings of Great Zimbabwe.
What is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe?
Mount Nyangani
Mount Nyangani, in the Eastern Highlands, is Zimbabwe's highest mountain.
Which symbol on the national flag is based on carvings found at Great Zimbabwe?
The Zimbabwe Bird
The Zimbabwe Bird is based on soapstone carvings found at Great Zimbabwe and appears on the flag's white triangle.
Which large lake, formed by a dam on the Zambezi, does Zimbabwe share with Zambia?
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba was created by the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River and lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Which national anthem has Zimbabwe used since 1994?
Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe
Since 1994 the anthem has been 'Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe', known in English as 'Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe'.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Zimbabwe Civics format.